Kochi startup creates safe technology to dispose used face masks

10th June 2020
Kochi startup creates  safe technology  to dispose  used face masks
Ernakulam District Magistrate S. Suhas launching IoT Based used mask disinfection disposal smart Bin 19 and Disinfection device (UV SPOT). Alvin George, CEO of VST Mobility is at left

Kochi, June 10 2020: VST Mobility Solutions, an IOT-driven company backed by Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) has joined the country’s efforts in combating COVID-19 by launching two medical devices that enable collection and disinfection of used facemasks.
BIN-19 collects facemasks that are currently in massive use to check the spread of novel coronavirus. UVSPOT, which is a multipurpose disinfector, features internal reflective surfaces besides UVC lamps that disinfect a board range of microorganisms.
BIN-19 facilitates dropping used masks to a chamber inside it, carrying out disinfection in the process. “Those masks will then be transferred to another container inside the bin,” says VST Chief Executive Officer Alvin George. “The person, who drops the masks, can clean hands by using the automatic sanitizer dispenser of BIN-19.”
The products, developed in association with the  renowned Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute of Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram and registered with Central Drugs Standard Control Organization, were released by Ernakulam District Collector S Suhas at a function in  Kochi 
Banking on IOT (internet of things), BIN-19 uses Chitra UVC technology to dispose facemasks, while UVSPOT is chiefly used to dispose contaminated/used facemask and reuse UVC-stable metallic products.The efficacy of both the devices has been proven through a microbiological test conducted at SCTIMST. Sree Chitra houses a frontline testing agency for UV-based devices that functions as per the guidelines of Indian Council for Medical Research.
Such is the build of the device that there is no need to touch or operate any of its switches. “All the functions are automatic.It is a hands-free equipment for the safety of the health workers,” adds, Mr George about the bin, whose IOT features comprise IoT auto-sanitizer dispenser, mobile application to navigate/find BIN-19 and a web portal for alerts on status, power on/off and box open.
VST offers an end-to-end platform on telematics that include software and hardware products for intelligent transportation system. Its other Hardware products include infotainment systems, vehicle-tracking units with ESIM, passenger information systems, public transport kiosks, automated fare collection systems and onboard video surveillance.
KSUM, which functions from the Integrated Startup Complex at Kalamassery on the outskirts of Kochi, is a nodal agency of the state government for entrepreneurship development and incubation activities